Unit 2: Organisms and their environment In this unit students study environmental factors common to all habitats and investigate structural and physiological adaptations of organisms to particular ecological niches. Plant growth responses are also investigated. Behavioural and reproductive adaptations are used to study individual and group behaviour of animals. Components, relationships and energy flows within ecosystems are studied. Techniques used to monitor environmental change and maintain ecosystems are investigated. Students are required to conduct fieldwork. Outcome 1 On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain and analyse the relationship between environmental factors, and adaptations and distribution of living things. Outcome 2 On completion of this unit the student should be able to design, conduct and report on a field investigation related to the interactions between living things and their environment, and explain how ecosystems change over time.
Utilising Jacaranda 'Nature of Biology' 3rd ed. Book 1
Try the following site for podcasts on unit 2 (numbers 13 - 23) Mr Barlow's podcasts
Mr Barlow's unit 2 summary (From Heinemann text)
Unit 2: Organisms and their environment
In this unit students study environmental factors common to all habitats and investigate structural and physiological adaptations of organisms to particular ecological niches. Plant growth responses are also investigated. Behavioural and reproductive adaptations are used to study individual and group behaviour of animals. Components, relationships and energy flows within ecosystems are studied. Techniques used to monitor environmental change and maintain ecosystems are investigated. Students are required to conduct fieldwork.
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain and analyse the relationship between environmental factors, and adaptations and distribution of living things.
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to design, conduct and report on a field investigation related to the interactions between living things and their environment, and explain how ecosystems change over time.
Utilising Jacaranda 'Nature of Biology' 3rd ed. Book 1
Try the following site for podcasts on unit 2 (numbers 13 - 23) Mr Barlow's podcasts
Mr Barlow's unit 2 summary (From Heinemann text)
Chapter 9 - Habitats, environment and survival
Chapter 10 - Physiological adaptations for survival
Student PowerPoints -
Revision -
Chapter 11 - Behaviours for survival
Chapter 12 - Reproductive strategies for survival
Chapter 13 - Ecosystems and their living communities
The fieldwork report for Werribee Park Zoo
Also some general background information on grasslands which will assist you in the completion of the fieldwork report
And a little ecosystems worksheet
Chapter 14 - Flow of energy and cycling of matter
Chapter 15 - Population dynamics
Transect and Quadrat Sampling Sampling Populations
Chapter 16 - Changes in ecosystems